The success of the Arduino physical computing toolkit has lead to a surge of interest in the world of hardware from both software and non-technical people. This workshop will provide an overview of what physical computing is, how Arduino works and how it can be used to add an interactive element to your projects. There will also be an opportunity to set up and use an Arduino board and software.

No hardware or coding experience necessary! The tutor will guide you through the process of getting started and show you some of what is possible. Once you know the basics you too could be on your way to creating anything from a build monitoring tool to a cuddly navigation device…

Learn how physical computing can change the way you think about the electronic devices you interact with, the software you write and even the problems you can solve and the way you solve them.

Find out what the tutor and others have been able to create with the Arduino.

A laptop (with the ability to install software and drivers), USB cable, Arduino and a small parts kit will be necessary to participate in the hands-on portion of this workshop. NOTE: A limited number of Arduino kits will be available for purchase (approximately $70) from the instructors at the workshop. The instructors will be able to accept Visa and/or MasterCard.

If you participate in the hands-on portion of the workshop you will learn how to install the Arduino IDE, connect the Arduino board, connect buttons & LEDs, use an electronics breadboard and program the Arduino to respond to external stimuli.

While an actual Arduino is recommended other participants have benefited from observing or sharing with others at similar workshops in the past.

Philip Lindsay

rancidbacon.com

Philip Lindsay (also known as follower from rancidbacon.com ) creates tools to encapsulate the knowledge he gains from exploring and understanding technology in order to help others do their jobs more effectively. He translates technology.

In addition to teaching introductory Arduino workshops Philip has contributed USB and networking code to the Arduino eco-system.

Tim O’Reilly once called Philip a “troublemaker” for his early Google Maps reverse engineering efforts.

Philip has a particular interest in the areas where design, art, craft and technology intersect.

Brian Jepson

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

I’m an editor for O’Reilly Media; I cover a number of areas, including Arduino, wireless sensor networks, mobile devices, as well as some Microsoft and Apple topics.

I like to hack on gadgets such as Arduino and the BeagleBoard in my spare time, and I’m also a volunteer system administrator and all-around geek for AS220, a non-profit arts center that gives Rhode Island artists uncensored and unjuried forums for their work.